Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout020507 May 7, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Schnebly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 30, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of April 30, as submitted. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Wellness Committee and the Planning Commission. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the open house for the new Election Board and Treasurer’s offices and met with Board of Education representatives on the concept of developing a magnet school for the visual and performing arts. Commissioner Wivell stated that he also attended the meeting on the magnet school as well as the Excellence in Business reception sponsored by the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Commissioner Wivell had questions on the Animal Control Ordinance dealing with vicious dogs. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the EDC sub-committee on strategic priorities for the City of Hagerstown. He stated that he met with Dr. Betty Morgan, Superintendent of Schools, to discuss several Board of Education issues. Commissioner Schnebly reported that he attended the EDC Excellence in Business reception. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Marshall Street School Assistive Technology Workshop, the transportation workshop at the Health Department, the Retired Teachers Association luncheon, and the dinner honoring Jane Burhans’ 50 years of service to the Zonta Club. He stated that he attended the meetings of the Wellness Committee and the Recreation & Parks Board meeting. Commissioner Swartz reminded the Commissioners that the Senior Fair would be held on May 23 and read correspondence from the staff at Northern Middle School thanking the Commissioners for the use of the County Flag for use in their Blue Ribbon School gala. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the press conference announcing Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s intent to run as a gubernatorial candidate. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the local “Mayor’s meeting” is scheduled for May 9. He stated that he received notification from the State Highway Administration that the contract has been awarded to begin construction of a roundabout at Mt. Aetna Road and Route 66. Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting. He stated that he presented the 2002 youth awards at the Elks Club, presented greetings to the annual Homemakers Club Spring Banquet, and attended the National Day of Prayer ceremony at Hagerstown Community College. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Commissioners that his department has been indirectly involved with recovery efforts in Charles County through the Maryland Emergency Management Administration (MEMA). He stated that he is also working with MEMA on a mitigation plan to deal with any natural hazards. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported on the rewrite of the retirement plan document. He informed the Commissioners that training sessions are scheduled on performance management reviews. Mr. Davis stated that his office is now working on FY 2003 payroll modeling. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that he met with the Recreation & Parks Board regarding the reductions in the MAY 7, 2002 PAGE TWO Program Open Space allocation and would be making a recommendation to the Commissioners in the near future. Mr. Arch informed them that there are two rezoning applications scheduled for joint public hearing in June. He reported that he hopes to have a recommendation to award the bids for the several road alignments following the May 15 meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mr. th Arch provided an update on the 140 re-enactment of the Battle of Antietam. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the progress on the Halfway Boulevard Extended project and the improvements at Eastern Boulevard and Security Road. Mr. Rohrer stated that he would be meeting with the Homebuilders Association regarding the response from the Maryland Department of the Environment to the County’ request to amend the transition provisions in the Stormwater Management Ordinance. He informed the Commissioners that he spoke to the District Engineer from the State Highway Administration regarding the proposed Southern Boulevard project. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Jessica Spring (Construction Inspector – Engineering), James Jackson, Jr., (Building Maintenance Worker), James Ritz (Golf Maintenance Worker), and David Grabill (Systems Mechanic II, Detention Center). Commissioner Snook welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. CONSERVATION FARMER AWARDS Elmer Weibley, Executive Director of the Soil Conservation District (SCD), and Betty Meyers, Chair of the WCSCD Board, presented the award for 2001 Outstanding Conservation Farmer to Bob Elliott, operator of Papa Farms and outlined the accomplishments and conservation measures taken by Mr. Elliott to improve his farm. Commissioner Schnebly presented Mr. Elliott with a certificate of recognition. Mr. Elliott thanked the Commissioners as well as the Soil Conservation District employees, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and his family. Mr. Weibley then presented the award for 2001 Sustaining Farmer to Carl, Gary, and Donald Hendershot. He provided information on the Hendershot’s farm and the techniques they used to help preserve the land. Commissioner Swartz presented a certificate of recognition to the Hendershots congratulating them on winning this award. Carl Hendershot thanked the Commissioners for the certificate and the State and Federal governments for the programs they provide to farmers. CONTRACT OPERATIONS AGREEMENT – PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WATER SYSTEM Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, met with the Commissioners to review the Contract Operations Agreement for the Fort Ritchie water facility. Mr. Murray stated that the facility is currently operated by a contractor for the Army. When ownership is transferred to the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC), the system will not have a licensed operator. The tentative date for the transfer is set for May 20. Mr. Murray then reviewed the benefits of entering into this agreement. He stated that it would allow for activation of the interconnection between Highfield and Ft. Ritchie water supplies and bring potential benefits to local property owners needing a potable water supply for on-site systems. Mr. Murray indicated that the Water and Sewer Department would require an additional full-time plant operator if the County assumes operation of the plant. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. William Spigler, Base Transition Coordinator, stated that the water system could be transferred directly to the County from the Army. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the Annual Operation and Maintenance Services Agreement for the PenMar Development Corporation water system for Fiscal Year 2003 and the remaining Fiscal Year 2002, as presented, and to approve the hiring of an MAY 7, 2002 PAGE THREE additional plant operator with costs to be reimbursed through the contract. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the employee service awards are scheduled for May 14. He stated that the Western Maryland County Commissioners meeting is May 24. Commissioner Iseminger asked that educational funding be placed on the agenda for discussion. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Humane Society would be held on May 17. He reminded them that there would be no meeting on May 28. BUDGET TRANSFER – MARYLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to accept the grant award of $77,460 from the Maryland Emergency Management Administration for domestic preparedness equipment. Unanimously approved. CHANGE ORDER – HALFWAY BOULEVARD EXTENDED Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a change order for $32,337.90 for the Halfway Boulevard Extended project due to unsuitable subgrade material which required an unanticipated strengthening element to stabilize the area. Unanimously approved. GRANT AGREEMENT – AIRPORT SECURITY MEASURES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for $235,000 to reimburse direct costs associated with new or enhanced security measures at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved RE/APPOINTMENTS – BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to appoint Spence Perry to the Board of Social Services for a three-year term, to reappoint Marcia Watters and Richard Miller for three-year terms, and to reappoint Frederica Erath and Michael Zampelli for three-year terms, retroactive to July 1, 2001. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – BUILDING CODES APPEALS BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint Kenneth Kline, Daniel Matonak, and Richard Lawson to the Building Codes Appeals Board for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD - RECOMMENDATIONS It was the consensus of the Commissioners to submit the names of James Brittain and John Martin to the Governor for appointment to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and to send the name of Roscoe Corderman, the current Board member, if he wishes to continue to serve. RECESS – RIBBON-CUTTING FOR OLD ROXBURY ROAD BRIDGE AND LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 10:45 a.m. in order to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the restoration of the Old Roxbury Road Bridge and for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. BID AWARD – GROUP VISION INSURANCE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for group vision insurance to Vision Service Plan (VSP), which submitted the only responsive proposal of $1.57 per employee per month and total annual cost of $11,266. The contract will run concurrent with the remainder of the current health insurance contract beginning July 1, MAY 7, 2002 PAGE FOUR 2002 with an option to renew for one additional year. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – WORKSTATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the bid for workstations for the Airport and the Solid Waste, Information Technology, and Sheriff’s Departments, and the inclusion of Special Operations, to Office Suppliers, Inc., which submitted the only bid of $100,527.14. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 1:20 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, in accordance with Section 10- 508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:58 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Jonathan Topazian, and W. Bradley Bauhof. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:58 p.m. EVENING SESSION - PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2002 BUDGET AND CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE The evening session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order in the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College at 7:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. The public hearing was held to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2003 budget for Washington County and to set the current property tax rate. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, announced that this public hearing is being held to permit the residents of Washington County to comment on the Commissioners’ intention to continue the property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of assessed full value for the Fiscal Year 2003 as Section 6-308, Tax-Property Article, Annotated required by Code of Maryland, and to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2003 budget as advertised. Mr. Shoop also stated that the Commissioners would continue an interest rate of 6% on the semi-annual tax payments. Mr. Shoop announced, in accordance with provisions of the Tax Property Article, that the Board of County Commissioners hope to adopt the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2003 on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, in the Commissioners’ meeting room in the County Administration Building. Mr. Shoop stated that comments may be sent to the Commissioners at 100 West Washington Street or sent via the Internet to washco-md.net. Mr. Shoop presented Washington County’s vision and mission statements and the 2002 goals. He indicated that the proposed budget is a balanced budget that provides significant increases in funding for education and improves funding for public safety. He reviewed the projected revenues for fiscal year 2002 for property tax, income tax, and other sources. Mr. Shoop reviewed the proposed General Fund budget of $133.724,646; the Capital Improvement Projects budget of $26,324,850; the Special Revenue Funds (Highway Funds - $7,010,500 and Solid Waste Fund - $4,576.915); the Transportation Fund - $1,633,604; Airport Fund - $1,336,550; Golf Course Fund - $1,179,882; Utility Fund - $12,530,487; and Pretreatment MAY 7, 2002 PAGE FIVE Fund - $1,435,000. He stated that the total proposed budget is $189,891,581. The hearing was then opened for public testimony. After all testimony was given, Commissioner Snook adjourned the hearing at 8:40 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney , Clerk